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HRV vs ERV: Which Ventilator Does Your Home Need?
Our take
ERV for the GTA. Cold-climate dry winters favour HRV; mixed-climate humid summers favour ERV. Toronto/Mississauga = ERV territory.
Side by side
| Factor | HRV (Heat Recovery) | ERV (Energy Recovery) |
|---|---|---|
| Transfers heat? | Yes (~85%) | Yes (~80%) |
| Transfers humidity? | No | Yes |
| Best climate | Cold + dry | Mixed (cold winter, humid summer) |
| Cost installed (GTA) | $2,200–$3,000 | $2,400–$3,400 |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years | 15–20 years |
HRV (Heat Recovery) wins when:
- Very dry winter climates (prairies)
- Existing humidity already on the high side
ERV (Energy Recovery) wins when:
- GTA / mixed climate (default)
- Tight new construction
- Anyone with respiratory issues benefitting from controlled humidity
The full take
Both pull stale indoor air out and fresh outdoor air in while recovering most of the heat. The difference is moisture handling.
In winter, an HRV will drop your indoor humidity (because dry outside air is exchanged for humid inside air). In an already-humid home, that's a feature. In a typically-dry GTA winter house, that's a problem (chapped skin, static electricity, sinus issues).
In summer, an ERV blocks humidity from coming in. In a hot/humid Toronto July, that takes load off your AC — meaningful efficiency win.
Default for the GTA: ERV. The exceptions are rare. We size and install both.
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Mississauga, ON · Greater Toronto Area and up to 2 hours out — London, Kitchener, Barrie, Kingston, Niagara.